Journal
It's Apricot Season - Introducing Our New Limited Edition Styles
The Faye Dress is a confident and sensual occasion dress featuring a high draped cowl neckline balanced with a very low back suspended by a fine halter neck strap. Falling to mid length, the dress is bias cut from a demi satin luxe blend of 70% Organic Hemp with 30% Silk. The Faye Dress is a very Limited Edition Arnsdorf piece making it even more of a special addition to your wardrobe.
Less Is More. The Power of a Beautiful White Shirt Dress
Our new Sandrina Dress is the perfect trans-seasonal piece and a contemporary classic. Based on our Classic Shirt the dress is cut from a light weight and breathable 100% Organic Cotton Crepe. It is a relaxed silhouette featuring an adjustable drawstring cord waist, side pockets and wide cuffs.
Our Dazzling New Ivory Summer Suit ✨ + Calder Jeans Back in Stock!
With December on fast forward, many of you have been shopping for event pieces. Let's face it- it's so nice to dress up and wear lipstick again! Meet the new colour way of our chic Christine pant suit - Ivory Patch. Crafted from a mid weight blend of organic hemp and silk, we have spliced the pieces into half lustrous and half matt giving them even more of a day to night persona.
"Kelp - reduces carbon emissions and also a great colour for a tee :)
Time for some new Summer Tees? We can't wait to bare some skin in the sunshine in our favourite rib styles in our new Limited Edition Kelp Green!
Are You Rachel from Friends, Winona from Reality Bites or Hope Sandoval from Mazzy Star?
Channel your 90s heroines: Hope Sandoval? Destiny's Child? Claire Danes? Winona Ryder? The Faye Top is your ultimate 90s inspired halter vest top. Business by day and party at night. Layer it over a Merino Tee or a Classic Shirt for work. Strip it back for night time and add some shimmer, like with some Nars Bronzing Powder.
Hello GREEN - Our NEW Mira Trousers in Kelp plus our latest Limited Edition Face Mask
Our classic Mira Trousers take on a fresh new utility tone in Kelp - your perfect new neutral for Spring! Crafted from a premium mid weight Japanese cotton, the Mira Trousers sit high and fitted on the waist with handy front side pockets. They curve out and in at the ankle to flatter and give length.
She's Back! Our Merino Rib in SEAFOAM is Available Now
One of our classic shapes made from a superfine 100% Australian Merino is sewn by us in Collingwood and custom dyed locally using GOTs approved dye. This style is also available in Chalk, Black, Espresso and a neutral colour block version of Black and Chalk.
Our LIMITED EDITION Sustainable Face Mask in CELERY
We're glad that you love our sustainable reusable face masks!
Our Black and White Face Masks are in stock now and available here.
We are working hard at getting some more colours to you and have just made an extremely limited edition batch in our beautiful Celery Organic Cotton Rib Jersey.
Using our fabric offcuts, our masks are sewn in our women led, Ethical Clothing Australia accredited and B Corp certified Arnsdorf Atelier in Collingwood.
Please not that these masks are for personal community use and they are not medical grade.
Celery Organic Cotton Face Mask
Made from 3 layers of of our sustainable fabrics offcuts
- 1st layer organic 100% cotton jersey woven in Australia
- 2nd layer organic 100% cotton jersey woven in Australia
- 3rd outer layer Japanese organic cotton rib jersey
- Rib bind organic cotton ear loops.
Paint it...Brave Ground?
Interior photo using Brave Ground via Dulux
Are you painting your walls at the moment? Dulux have just announced their "Colour of theYear" for 2021 and it's a beige tone called Brave Ground. After consultations with trend forecasters and global designers, the company selected the shade citing its connection to nature and the simple things - "a warm, earthy tone, it creates a feeling of stability, growth and potential". While we're interested in the colour trends we would like to know what's inside the paint. There is some information on the Dulux UK site here but found some interesting information on paints available in Australia that are low and zero VOC (volatile organic compounds) via the Architecture and Design site here. Here's to a natural look with a nature loving approach.
It's Time to Fire Up Some Heat Beat in Your Lounge Room
We discovered Melbourne's "heat beat" collective NO ZU when they were supporting iconic no wave group ESG on their Australian tour in 2013. It's 3 years since NO ZU have released something new but we are loving this Double A side single release with 2 classic covers - Hunters and Collectors' Talking To A Stranger and Bryan Ferry's Sensation. Watch the video for Talking To A Stranger recorded live (heart breaks) in February at the Something Unlimited Festival at Northcote Town Hall here. The single is available from Chapter Music here.
Stay well from all of us at Arnsdorf X
New! Limited Edition Merino in ESPRESSO
Jerri wears the Merino Funnel Neck Skivvy in Espresso
One of our classic styles in a delicious new colour way!
Our form fitting Funnel Neck Skivvy is a fantastic streamlined separate for your wardrobe. Crafted from super fine 100% merino wool that is milled right here in Melbourne, our skivvy shape is known for its comfort and style defined by its elegant extended neckline.
We're thrilled to release another Limited Edition colour to you called Espresso which has been custom dyed in a Melbourne House with GOTS approved dye.
We make each piece in our Ethical Clothing Australia certified factory located in Melbourne. Each garment is sewn by one of our incredible machinists that have over 20 years industry experience.
Who Cares Wins by Lily Cole
Many of you will recognise the name and pre-Raphaelite beauty of Lily Cole as a major fashion model of the early 2000's. By the age of 16, Lily had made her first international Vogue cover and was walking the runway for Jean Paul Gaultier, McQueen and Westwood. She was named by French Vogue as one of the top 30 models of the 2000's. Lily moved in to film including Star Wars: The Last Jedi and while she still does the occasional modelling and runway show, her main mission over the last 10 years has been social issues and change.
Lily Cole, photographed by Irving Penn, Vogue, July 2005
In 2013 Lily Cole founded a platform called Impossible, billed as a purpose driven innovation group, building products and designing businesses for the future. Their message is to create sustainable change, going from humans to humanity, to thinking about the planet from a systematic, social and long-term perspective. One of the recent 'Impossible' projects has been with zero waste eyewear company Wires Glasses who use bio plastic from castor beans.
Lily Cole in Wires Glasses
Completing an MA in Art History at Cambridge Lily was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters by the University of Glasgow in for her contribution to humanitarian and environmental causes through social business.
Her new book Who Cares Wins is to inspire optimism and encourage activism. Lily says "We are the ancestors of our future: a generation that will either be celebrated for its activism or blamed for its apathy. It is for us to choose optimism, to make changes and to create the future we want."
Listen to an interview with Lily Cole on The Business of Fashion here or find out more about her book here.
Stay well from all of us at Arnsdorf X
Karinda styles Thelma Plum and Lets Loose to Beauty and the Beats
Ella McCabe Barton wears the Ivy Dress with the Sonia Sandal in Seafoam by Nelson Made. Styled by Simone McIvor and photographed by Elena Breuer
Jerri wears the Merino Rib Funnel Neck Skivvy in Black Combo
Back in stock!
You asked and our wonderful cutter and machinists hopped to it and answered your call.
Our Merino Rib Funnel Neck Skivvy in Black Combo is currently back in stock in all sizes here.
We make each piece in our Ethical Clothing Australia certified factory located in Melbourne. Each garment is sewn by one of our incredible machinists that have over 20 years industry experience.
We've reached out to women in the Arnsdorf community to reveal their personal tips for staying healthy, sane and engaged during this interesting time...
Karinda wears the Inez Shirt and the Tailored Shorts in Tan Stripe
What is your name and and what do you do?
My name is Karinda Mutabazi and I'm a Stylist and Creative Director.
What is your connection to Arnsdorf?
I am an adoring fan first and foremost! I also have the pleasure of dressing and introducing clients to Arnsdorf for photoshoots, film clips and events. I am fortunate enough to have become acquainted with many of the Arnsdorf team over the years, which is an absolute delight. It is a rare privilege to get to know the people who make and design your clothing. It makes wearing the garments more special.
Karinda photographed by Katie Fergus for VAMFF Streetstyle in the Benedict Blazer and the Pleated Trousers in Purple Gingham.
Are you still working from home or are you back at it?
I am mostly working from home at the moment, although I don’t find this to be so bad. I have a home office anyway, so would be working from here usually (unless I am sourcing or on location). I do feel luck to have dedicated space already set up though.
I have actually used the time at home to clean and sort my office. It has been on my to-do list for ages! Got to take the wins where you can.
Karinda wears the Caroline Jacket in Plaid , the Inez Shirt in Tan Stripe and the Calder Jeans in Indigo
What are you doing to stay active?
I live near a range of walking trails, so I have been exploring my local area which has been really nice.
All of my Pilates and Yoga classes are now online, which is perfect for me because of my random and ever-changing schedule. It makes it so much easier for me to actually get to a class, and as a result I have been exercising more than usual.
I have also been doing afro beats dance classes run by my friend and all round awesome human, Claudia Sangiorgi Dalimore. The class is online and it's called ‘Booty and The Beats’. It's great music and excellent moves. It's been a fun way to keep fit and challenge myself to learn choreography.
Are you reading a great book or do you have a favourite podcast?
This is the first time in a long time I have read a book. I loved ‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine’ by Gail Honeyman.
I am on the last few chapters of Emma Cline’s ‘The Girls’ which is loosely inspired by the Manson Family story. Strangely enough just as I started reading ‘The Girls’ a friend recommended the Joe Rogan interview with Tom O’Neil. He is a journalist who delved into the Manson story after the fact. I have never really had any interest in Manson before but both the podcast and the book have been fascinating.
I just listened to the audiobook of Emma Gannon’s ‘The Multi-Hyphen Life’ and I found it affirming and inspiring. I would highly recommend it if you are a freelancer or someone wanting to start a side hustle.
A few of my favourite podcasts are: CtrlAltDel, 99%Invisible, Wardrobe Crisis, SongExploder, Adam Buxton and TightFortyFive which is a new one my brother-in-law has started where he is chatting with musicians and creatives in Melbourne.
Mairead McGovern wears the Greta Blouse in Tan Stripe. Styled by Karinda Mutabazi photographed by Anthony Tosello.
What about food. Are you cooking or are you addicted to a particular snack at the moment?
I have discovered an amazing carrot cake recipe which has been on heavy rotation. It’s from ‘The Beauty Chef’ Cookbook by Clara Oates. A friend sent the recipe as a request to bring to our first post-iso dinner. It’s a healthy one that is also actually delicious.
I have an addiction to Harvest Snaps Pea Chips, the original flavour - they are so moreish, and because they are made of peas they are good for you….Right?
Are you motivated to 'dress' for the day or are you repeating outfits? What are your go-to pieces?
I love changing up options, and always dress according to my mood on the day. If I am just going for a walk or to the supermarket I try to wear something I feel good in.
I have to say, my Arnsdorf Merino Rib Funnel Neck has been on heavy rotation as a layering piece since the cold weather kicked in. My partner always refers to me as “Theranos” (referring to Elizabeth Holmes - The Dropout Podcast) whenever I put it on. If a black turtle neck works for Steve Jobs…..
Thelma Plum styled by Karinda Mutabazi backstage on her Better in Blak album tour, wears the Pearl Top and the Palazzo Pant in Black Velvet.
Have you been pleasantly surprised by engaging in something you normally wouldn't?
I’ve been learning how to use Quickbooks, which I have found surprisingly satisfying. I never thought in a million years that I would gain any joy from doing anything numbers related.
What songs are you feeling right now?
Some of these artists I have had the pleasure of working with and others I admire from afar.
Stay well from all of us at Arnsdorf X
Take on the World in our Fresh, New Seafoam Styles
Take on the World in our Fresh, New Seafoam Styles
The Ivy Dress is the perfect modern romantic piece to break free from your WFH blues. Feel the positive energy of our beautiful Seafoam colourway.
It's elegant but not too ostentatious. A comfortable shape that can be worn day or night. The dress features soft double puffed sleeves, a deep squared neckline and falls slightly A-line to a mid length.
The Ivy is cut from a very soft and fine Japanese Cotton/Linen blend and lined in 100% Cotton. The fabric has a lightly crinkled texture and a subtle grey stripe.
This dress also looks amazing layered over our Merino Funnel Neck Skivvy in Seafoam :)
We love this new shape! The Faye top channels the 90s in this fresh and flattering statement top. Bias cut in our Japanese Seafoam Cotton/Linen with a cowl neckline and sexy square back. The Fay slips on without any fastenings making it a very comfortable, easy wear piece.
We have shown it here with our Tailored Trousers in Black but this style also works well with our Vanessa Pant in Sand our Calder Jeans in Indigo and with our Calder Jeans in Chalk.
It makes a great feature under a jacket - picture our Celeste or our Vanessa.
It also looks spectacular layered over our Merino Funnel Neck Skivvy in Seafoam.
Both the Ivy Dress and Fay Top are available in store and online now.
We make each piece in our Ethical Clothing Australia certified factory located in Melbourne. The Ivy Dress and Fay Top are lovingly sewn by one of our incredible machinists that have over 20 years industry experience.
Living on Stolen Land is a new release book written by Ambelin Kwaymullina who is a prolific Palyku novelist, illustrator, and assistant professor of law at the University of Western Australia.
Ambelin also created the cover artwork and the illustrations throughout the book which is written in prose style. The work is described as the first of it's kind to address and educate about the colonial contextual history of Australia in an accessible way.
The opening words read:
“This story begins
with the tree on the cover
which shows futures
The roots go deep
down into the ground
because just futures
must be grounded in respectful relationships
with Indigenous peoples
Indigenous homelands
Indigenous sovereignties“
You can read more about Living on Stolen Land or purchase here
Arts Centre Melbourne have kindly shared a recorded performance on-line of Jack Charles V The Crown by the Ilbijerri Theatre Company.
Uncle Jack as he is endearingly known is from the stolen generation and tells the story of his life through the lows of crime and addiction to the highs through his incredible journey in theatre and film.
Watch the performance here
Jack was also the subject of the fantastic 2008 award winning documentary called Bastardy by Australian director Amiel Courtin-Wilson.
Watch the film here.
Our Fitzroy Store is Still Open
We are still welcoming clients to our Fitzroy Boutique but consciously during this difficult time.
To ensure physical distancing we are limiting entry to 3 clients at a time.
We are doing regular cleaning and sanitising at touch points and ask that you please wear a mask and use the hand sanitiser available on entry.
For those of you who wish to shop from home, we can offer Virtual Appointments plus our online store is always open at arnsdorf.com.au
Please feel free to call our experienced stylists for any questions you may have on fits or fabrics etc on 1300269406.
Our current store hours are:
Sunday to Tuesday 11-5
Wednesday to Saturday 10-5
Stay well from all of us at Arnsdorf X
Our New Matilda Dress in Biscotti, Ennio Morricone and Damiano Bertoli
The Matilda Dress is a delicate, feminine, midi length dress in light weight 100% Silk Chiffon.
This dreamy 1930s inspired dress features a wide V neckline and flattering ruching through the centre front, back, side and also on the longer line sleeves.
It could be perfect for your next Tango (like with Pacino in Scent of a Woman).
Jerri wears the Matilda Dress with the Merino Rib Funnel Neck Skivvy in Seafoam
The delicious Biscotti toned spotted silk was sourced from dead stock fabric making this another mindful purchase.
The Matilda comes with a complimentary midi length slip dress in chocolate brown 100% Cupro which can also be worn as a dress on it's own!
We make each piece in our Ethical Clothing Australia certified factory located in Melbourne. The Matilda Dress is lovingly sewn by one of our incredible machinists that have over 20 years industry experience.
The Memorable Sounds of Ennio Morricone
Think about how you feel when you happen to hear a piece of music from a film that moved you? It can take you right back there in seconds.
The passing of the talented Italian composer Ennio Morricone reminds us to revisit some of the incredible films that he wrote scores for like the emotionally charged 1988 classic Cinema Paradiso, the spaghetti westerns A Fistful of Dollars and The Good, The Bad and The Ugly plus Brian De Palma's 1988 gangster hit starring Kevin Costner, Sean Connery and Robert de Niro, The Untouchables.
Ennio wrote over 400 scores over his career. That's a lot of memorable feels!
Superpositions by Damiano Bertoli
If you've ever had the pleasure of watching 60s or 70s Italian television, we're sure you'll enjoy Damiano Bertoli's latest exhibition called Superpositions which has just opened at the Brunswick home of Neon Parc The Melbourne based artist captures faces from counter culture from this era and compares them with the faces of ancient Rome via classical statues, the pop stars of their day. He has layered the imagery to great affect allowing us to compare the glamorous icons crossing 2000 years.
The exhibition featuring photographic work and a fantastic video piece debuted in London at Mackintosh Lane in November last year is showing now at Neon Parc until August 8. For more details, visit the gallery here.
Stay well from all of us at Arnsdorf X